Boston Challenges The Phillies To A 'Pick-up' Game

BOSTON (AP) - Unofficial clubhouse spokesman of the Boston Red Sox - Jason Varitek, reportedly contacted at least ten separate members of the Word Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies last night. Varitek left multiple voice mails and text messages challenging them to a pick-up game. Any time, any place.

"It wasn't so much of a challenge," Varitek said "as much as, just kind of a fun game - you know - just to see who wins." The team captain already had his catchers chest-protector and signature eye-black on, and was really hoping "to get in some [ball] before spring training."

Teammate Dustin Pedroia shared his captain's sentiments. "OK, I know we lost to the Rays in the ALCS, but, I just kind of want to know if we could have won."

The second baseman made it clear that he was happy for both Tampa Bay and Philadelphia for making it to the World Series, but thought "[It] would be cool to at least see if we could have won, you know, if we beat the Rays." To which Pedroia pounded his fist into his glove and shouted "Common Phils! Best of seven!"

While no other teammates have stepped up verbally and joined in the challenge, team rookie and shortstop Jed Lowrie reported that he could play if they "needed someone at short," and if he could "[Get] a ride with Dustin."

Red Sox manager Terry Francona, the skipper than lead the team to two championships in the past four years, brushed off the comments made by Varitek with a frustrated laugh. "Tek does this every year" Francona said. "You should have seen him when Chicago knocked us out in 2005. Ozzie Guillen had to change his phone number."

Some say that Veritek, and now Pedroia, just have a problem with losing, but they see it another way.

"No, you don't understand, we just want to see if we could have won." Pedroia remarked "We know we lost, we get it, whatever, season's over. But common, I just know we can beat the Phillies. Just one game. Common man!"